Development Chemist
4 months ago
Midrand, South Africa
Mayfly Agri (Pty) Ltd
Full time
Minimum requirements for the role:
- Must have a BSc Hons / MSc / PhD Degree in Chemistry, Polymer Sciences or similar
- Minimum 5 years experience in a research laboratory environment will be required
- Knowledge of raw materials, formulating techniques, chemical reaction processes and product performance requirements is essential
- Must be ability to communicate with company personnel, raw material suppliers and customers, and do technical presentations with confidence
- Must understand a customer focused environment and have a sense of urgency
The successful candidate will be responsible for:
- Ensuring that all departments are working collectively with regards to product development and the release of products into the marketplace.
- Providing technical information to sales to ensure correct selection and choice of current/new products.
- Training and equipping all technical staff to perform QC, development, product performance testing, and installation/application of finished products.
- Collaborating with the Quality Manager to ensure effective work is done and all required information is disseminated.
- Giving technical guidance regarding new and existing products to ensure successful manufacturing of products that comply with international standards and requirements.
- Ensuring correct raw materials, manufacturing techniques, and quality standards are specified to achieve a final product with the required performance characteristics.
- Understanding the chemical processes taking place in the combination of raw materials in the manufacture and application of products.
- Implementing the correct procedures to be followed for the manufacturing of products.
- Setting quality control standards and ensuring they are maintained.
- Ensuring products meet specific performance criteria.
- Liaising with raw material suppliers, USA partners, and Technology Providers.
- Managing activities to ensure deadlines on product development are achieved for both local and USA requirements.
- Assessing both current and new buy-ins to determine their suitability and performance requirements to meet the companys basket of products.
- Keeping abreast of technology so that products are formulated within acceptable standards while achieving and maintaining profitability for the Company.
- Ensuring that raw material purchasing and receiving specifications are up to date.
- Determining and issuing correct test methods and parameters for the quality control of raw materials to the Quality Manager.
- Collaborating with production to ensure products are manufactured to meet the relevant quality standards.
- Approving, maintaining, and accurately capturing and authorizing any changes to manufacturing master formulas for release.
- Liaising with independent authorities and overseas technology providers regarding external testing or hazardous & performance criteria of products.
- Reporting any non-conformance with a process to the Quality Manager and dealing with it timeously to ensure corrective actions eliminate re-occurrence of incidents.
- Ensuring all necessary data, training of personnel and applicators, and health and safety issues are implemented for the successful application of the product.
- Including details of any hazards associated with the transport and installation of the product.
- Informing or training Sales Representatives, Technical Service Representatives, Clients, and Contractors in methods for product use, always working in conjunction with the Technical Resource Team.
- Ensuring all aspects of customer service concerning new and existing products are promptly fulfilled.
- Presenting samples, performing physical performance testing, conducting on-site demonstrations, and providing training in conjunction with Technical Resources.
- Investigating product performance complaints where further R&D work is required.
- Monitoring raw material costs and substituting with alternatives if cost benefits exist in conjunction with procurement.
- Monitoring product gross profit to ensure maximum profit is obtained.
- Ensuring the product is user-friendly for the contractor to maintain their satisfaction and profit in using our product in conjunction with Technical Resources.
- Assisting with stock takes when required.
- Completing a monthly report on activities and progress made.
